ELLE meets Zoe Kazan

The Ruby Sparks writer and star is one to watch

Zoe Kazan, writer and star of new film Ruby Sparks is making a name for herself with the release of her funny, offbeat story about love and expectation.

Zoe, 29, plays Ruby, the fictitious creation of writer Calvin (Paul Dano) who one day materialises in his kitchen.

The film follows the pair as they embark on an impossible relationship, taking dark twists as Calvin realises he can edit Rubys personality (via his typewriter) to his own ends.

ELLE spoke to Kazan about the challenges of making it in Hollywood. 'Its a pretty rough profession and its really hard to make a living let alone have any real success, she said. I wanted Ruby to feel very real even though shes an imaginary person. She is very affectionate and open and I think Im like that most of the time.

The film opened at the Sundance Film Festival at the beginning of the year to brilliant reviews, though her screenwriter parents were keen to warn her about the dangers of the dreaded critic.

My dad always said that if you believe the positive stuff you have to believe the negative stuff as well. I just want people to like the film because it means so much to me. Everyone wants to be liked.

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